ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVY’S FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON  VISIT TO SRI LANKA
The 1st Training Squadron  is on a four day visit to Sri Lanka from 24 - 28 Oct 21 as part of their Overseas Deployment for the 100th and 101st Integrated Officers Training Course. The deployment is aimed to broaden the horizons of young officers and officer-trainees by exposing them to the socio-political and maritime facets of different countries in the Indian Ocean Region. The deployment will also expose the trainees onboard towards the conduct of IN warships in various evolutions at sea, port familiarisation and above all, foster the bridges of friendship with foreign nations.
The ships are the part of Southern Naval Command , which is the Training Command of the Indian Navy and is headed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command . The Indian Navy has been imparting training to international trainees for more than four decades now. As on date, a large number of officers and sailors from Sri Lanka are undergoing various ab-initio to advanced courses at SNC. The Command has gained the reputation of being the finest training destination by maintaining focussed approach to provide high quality training and by constant adaptation to evolving tactics and technologies.
The 1st Training Squadron based at Kochi provides the ‘first sea legs’ to the Executive Officers of the Indian Navy on completion of their ab-initio training at the Indian Naval Academy. The Squadron comprises seven indigenously built ships, namely, Indian Naval Ships Tir, Sujata, Magar, Shardul, Coast Guard Ship Vikram and two Sail Training Ships INS Sudarshini and INS Tarangini. The Squadron is currently helmed by Captain Aftab Ahmed Khan, Senior Officer First Training Squadron who also dons the dual hat of Commanding Officer, INS Tir.
During the four day long deployment IN ships Magar and Shardul alongwith trainees of 101 IOTC will visit the Colombo harbour, while IN ships Sujata, Sudarshini, Tarangini and CGS Vikram will visit Trincomalee with the trainees of 100th IOTC. Various training activities are planned to be conducted between the Navies of the two countries with the aim to enhance the inter operability of the two forces.
The period of Overseas Deployment would help in developing the skills of seamanship and ship handling and nurture a spirit of adventure among the young officers. It will, not only develop the ability to meet challenges with verve and vigour, but also inculcate a deep understanding of, and respect for, the elements within the maritime environment. The entire crew of all the visiting ships are doubly vaccinated and have also been tested for COVID-19.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan lauds Agnipath Yojana, calls it a historic and futuristic step
Union Education and Skill Development Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan lauded the Agnipath Yojana announced today to give opportunities to youth to join armed forces as “Bharat Ke Agniveer.”
He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the futuristic initiative to involve youth in military service and said that this step will create new opportunities for the youth and contribute towards making Indian armed forces, the best in the world. He said that this is a historic step towards making Indian armed forces more youthful. He also lauded the leadership of Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh under whom several initiatives have been taken to strengthen the armed forces and bring in self-sufficiency in the defence sector.
The Minister also said that getting associated with the armed forces is a matter of pride for every Indian and this initiative will involve more youth in national service, create new employment opportunities and contribute towards making a skilled and fit workforce.
AYUSH
NMPB and CSIR-NBRI Sign MoU for Promotion of Cultivation and Production of Medicinal Plants
The National Medicinal Plant Board  and the National Botanical Research Institute signed an MoU on June 4 for extending joint collaborative efforts to boost the cultivation and production of medicinal plants and herbs in India.
The MoU will facilitate development of Quality Planting Material  of medicinal plants and herbs identified by NMPB, help in establishment of their nurseries for QPM, development, promotion, conservation and cultivation of the appropriate medicinal plants in different agro-climatic zones, including the threatened medicinal plant species and plants for the high-altitude regions.
Through this collaboration NMPB will support CSIR-NBRI in carrying out the potential medicinal plant species with high commercial value for the Germplasm collection/conservation and establishment of nursery and seed banks/gene banks.
NBRI while undertaking the survey of medicinal plants will work in coherence with NMPB in the desired direction. The outreaches of NMPB and its implementing agencies like State Medicinal Plants Boards , Regional-cum-facilitation Centres will work together under the ambit of this MoU.
Working under the Ministry of Ayush, NMPB is mandated to coordinate all matters relating to medicinal plants and support Policies and Programs for growth of trade, export, conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants.
SK
(Visitor Counter : 812
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Qatar Financial Centre Authority
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding  between Institute of Chartered Accountants of India  and Qatar Financial Centre Authority .
The MoU would enhance cooperation between the Institutes to work together to strengthen the Accounting profession and entrepreneurship base in Qatar.
Impact:
ICAI has a strong membership base of over 6000 members in Middle East and Qatar  Chapter is amongst the most vibrant Chapters of ICAI. ICAI members hold key positions in various private and public companies and are actively involved in support and development of the accounting profession in Qatar. The signing of this MoU would provide an additional impetus to prospects of the ICAI Members in the entire Middle Eastern Region to have better recognition, together with working to support Indian businesses desirous of doing business in Qatar and thus supporting the growth of Qatar and India's economies.
Benefits:
ICAI has an active Chapter in Doha, Qatar which was established in the year 1981 and is the oldest among the 36 overseas Chapters of the ICAI. The membership of the Chapter has grown steadily since its founding days and presently has over 300 members who hold key positions in various private and public companies and are actively involved in support and development of the accounting profession in Qatar. This MoU will benefit Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Qatar Financial Centre Authority.
Implementation strategy and Targets:
- MoU will endeavourto increase opportunities for members of ICAI to provide professional services through setting up practice for providing professional services in the State of Qatar in the areas of assurance and auditing, advisory, taxation, financial services and allied areas.
- ICAI shall also nurture and develop local Qatar professionals, entrepreneurs and students through a specialized training programme, in collaboration with QFCA.
- ICAI and QFCA will work together to explore the opportunities for Indian businesses in Qatar by organizing roundtables, networking events etc., as the case may be mutually agreed.
- ICAI and QFCA shall collaborate on opportunities that may arise in the fields of corporate governance, technical research and advice, quality assurance, forensic accounting, issues for small and medium sized practices , Islamic Finance, Continuing Professional Development  and other subjects of mutual interest.
Background:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India  is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament of India, The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949', to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. Qatar Financial Centre Authority  an independent legal entity established pursuant to Law No.  of 2005,is responsible for the development and promotion of the QFC as a world-class on-shore financial and business centre in the State of Qatar.
Ministry of Defence
EASTERN FLEET GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
The Eastern Fleet commemorated its Golden Jubilee on 06 and 07 Apr 2022 at Visakhapatnam with a host of events. The major highlights of the celebrations included a Wreath Laying Ceremony, a Seminar themed ‘Emerging Challenges in Eastern Maritime Theatre - Future Readiness of Eastern Fleet’, an Awards ceremony and interactions with Fleet personnel and their families.
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, a documentary encapsulating the growth of the Eastern Fleet since its formation in 1971 to its present position of eminence, was also screened. The events were attended by 14 former Fleet Commanders, besides a large number of Flag Officers, officers, sailors and their families.
The Fleet Awards Function 2022 which recognises achievements and excellence achieved by various units of the Eastern Fleet in 2021 - 22 was held on 07 Apr 2022 to coincide with the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff was the Chief Guest for the Awards Function hosted by Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. INS Shivalik was adjudged as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet. INS Kadmatt was adjudged as the Best Corvette, and the Most Spirited Ship trophy was awarded jointly to INS Satpura and INS Kora.
CGR/VM/PS
(Visitor Counter : 1028
Ministry of Defence
NCC cadets clean beach and statues in Mumbai under Puneet Sagar Mission
Mumbai, 24 May 2023
Puneet Sagar Abhiyan was conducted today at Girgaon Chowpatty as part of cleanliness drive in Mumbai on behalf of National Cadet Corps-NCC cadets. The beach and statues were cleaned under the campaign. Director General of NCC, Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh AVSM, VSM was present on the occasion. His conversation with youth on reducing plastic waste inspired them a lot. He said that, there's nothing more inspiring for these young vibrant minds.
Lt. Gen. Gurbirpal Singh, Director General, NCC today morning at Girgaon Chowpatty, along with 250 NCC Cadets participated in the Punit Sagar Abhiyan beach cleaning activity. On this occasion, Lt. Gen. Gurbirpal Singh along with officers of Maharashtra NCC Directorate, permanent training staff and student soldiers cleaned the beach. The event was preceded by cleaning of statue of Shahid Tukaram Omble.
Students also performed street play, a Nukkad Natak, to create awareness among the citizens about beach cleanliness.PIB Mumbai | S.Tupe/R.Aghor/D.Rane
Follow us on social media:@PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai
(Visitor Counter : 147
Prime Minister's Office
PM announces ex-gratia for the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi from PMNRF
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved an ex- gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi on 15th May, 2018.
The Prime Minister has also approved Rs. 50,000 each for those seriously injured due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
MoD & FSSAI sign MoU to promote use of millets & healthy eating practices among Armed Forces & ensure safe and nutritious food
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya unveil a book ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’
In a significant step towards promoting the use of millets and healthy eating practices among the armed forces and ensure availability of safe and nutritious food, a Memorandum of Understanding  was signed between the Ministry of Defence  and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India  in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Union Health Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya here today. Both Ministers also unveiled a book titled ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’ to promote the consumption of Shree Anna  and its health benefits.
The MoU was signed by Lt. Gen. Preet Mohindera Singh, Director General  on behalf of Ministry of Defence  and Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India . It aims to create awareness about the nutritional benefits of diet diversity and millet-based food products among the personnel. The MoU will also pave the way for the introduction of millet-based menus in mess, canteens and other food outlets under the MoD.
This collaboration will also ensure training of food handlers & chefs of mess, canteens of the Armed Forces and other food outlets on food safety and hygiene as per the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. It signifies a shared commitment to the health and well-being of the Armed Forces to enable them to remain strong & resilient in their service to the nation. The MoU will also encourage the families of the Armed Forces and the community at large to adopt nutritious diets, make healthy food choices and maintain food safety.
The book ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’, developed by FSSAI, includes a range of millet-based dishes. It will serve as a valuable resource for different canteens and food outlets under the MoD. Given the challenging terrains and varied climatic conditions faced by the defence personnel, the significance of variety in diet assumes great importance. Millets are known for their nutritional value and can contribute to a well-balanced and diverse diet.
Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary, Dept of Military Affairs General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, Union Health Secretary Shri Rajesh Bhushan, CEO FSSAI Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao and other senior officials of MoD and MoHFW were present on the occasion.
Finance Commission
Presentation to the Fifteenth Finance Commission by NITI Ayog on Performance Based Grants.
The 2nd meeting of the 15th Finance Commission with the NITI Aayog was held here today. The Aayog including its Vice Chairman Dr. Rajeev Kumar, Members, CEO and other Senior Officials, interacted with the Finance Commission including Chairman Shri N.K. Singh, Members and Senior Officials.
The NITI Aayog put forth suggestions for the 15th Finance Commission and made a case for award of Performance Based Grants for States /Sectors. While observing that richer states grew faster than poorer states, the NITI Aayog made suggestions to the Commission on transfer of resources to States by the Centre. The Aayog also listed out certain possible indicators for the consideration of the Commission, its made recommendations on Innovation and Transformation funds as well as on Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
Appreciating the suggestions of the Aayog, Chairman, Shri N.K. Singh said there were concrete new thoughts and Commission would certainly examine the recommendations thoroughly. The Chairman added that since NITI Aayog was an important and integral part of the Central Government, its recommendations must be part of the Central Government Memorandum to the Finance Commission.
The Members also exchanged views on the issues raised by the Aayog and discussed relevant issues like the Centrally Sponsored Schemes – which have now been made Co-terminus with the award period of the respective Finance Commission, conditionality/lack-of-conditionality of the horizontal, vertically and sector specific, and striking balance between performance grants and basic grants.
-xxxxx-
MC
(Visitor Counter : 1236
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari says Urban Extension Road Project  being developed as a component of Delhi Decongestion Plan involving construction in five different packages with cost of Rs 7716 Crore
20 lakh tons of plastic garbage sourced from the Ghazipur Landfill to be utilized as part of project: Shri Gadkari
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari inspected the progress of the Urban Extension Road Project  in Delhi with Lt. Governor of Delhi Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena , Member of Parliament Shri Hansraj Hans, Shri Parvesh Varma , Leader of Opposition, Delhi Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri , BJP Senior Leader Shri Vijender Gupta and other high officials.
Briefing the media Shri Gadkari said we are developing UER-II as a component of the Delhi Decongestion Plan. The project involves the construction of UER-II in five different packages with cost of Rs 7716 Crore. He said as part of this project 20 lakh tons of plastic garbage sourced from the Ghazipur Landfill is being utilized.
Shri Gadkari said NH-344M  will serve as an additional western ring road in Delhi, lessening the travel duration from 2 hours to 20 minutes to IGI Airport, offering an alternative route for traffic from West/South Delhi, and Gurgaon heading towards NH-44, Chandigarh, Punjab & J&K. It also connects to the proposed IICC in Dwarka, improving traffic flow in Delhi, he added.
The Minister said NH-344P  will begin at NH-344M and end at NH-352A , serving as a spur to Sonipat Bypass. He said this project will alleviate traffic on NH-44 and establish connectivity between Delhi, KMPE, and Delhi-Katra Expressway via KMPE.
Shri Gadkari said NH-344N  is a spur to the Bahadurgarh bypass, connecting NH-344M  in Delhi to NH-10  which eases congestion on NH-10 in Delhi and improves connectivity between Eastern Haryana and Kanjhawala in Delhi, as well as a shorter connection between Delhi and KMP Expressway.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
11 Solar Parks with 8521 MW capacity completed and 7 Solar Parks partially completed under the Scheme for “Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Power Projects”: Union Power & NRE Minister Shri R. K. Singh
(The Government is implementing a Scheme for “Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Power Projects” in the country.
Under this scheme, the Government have sanctioned 50 Solar Parks with aggregate capacity of 37,990 MW in 12 States across the country, so far. Against this sanction, 11 Solar Parks with aggregate capacity of 8521 MW have been completed and 7 Solar Parks with aggregate capacity of 3985 MW have been partially completed. In these parks, solar projects of aggregate capacity of 10,237 MW have been developed. State/UT-wise details of Solar Parks & projects installed inside various Solar Parks are given at Annexure.
The Solar Park Scheme currently has a timeline up to 31st March 2026.
This information was given by The Union Minister of New Renewable Energy & Power Sh. R. K. Singh in Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART  to  OF LOK SABHA UNSTRARRED Question NO. 145 FOR 20.07.2023
STATE/UT-WISE DETAILS OF SOLAR PARKS & PROJECTS INSTALLED INSIDE SOLAR PARKS
|
|
Sl.
No.
|
|
State
|
|
Number of Parks
|
|
Sanctioned Capacity 
|
|
Projects installed so far

|
|
1
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
5
|
|
4200
|
|
3050
|
|
2
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
1
|
|
100
|
|
0
|
|
3
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
7
|
|
12150
|
|
900
|
|
4
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
3
|
|
1089
|
|
0
|
|
5
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
2
|
|
2500
|
|
2000
|
|
6
|
|
Kerala
|
|
2
|
|
155
|
|
100
|
|
7
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
8
|
|
4680
|
|
1000
|
|
8
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
2
|
|
750
|
|
0
|
|
9
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
1
|
|
20
|
|
20
|
|
10
|
|
Odisha
|
|
3
|
|
340
|
|
0
|
|
11
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
9
|
|
8276
|
|
2901
|
|
12
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
7
|
|
3730
|
|
266
|
|
Total
|
|
50
|
|
37990
|
|
10237
Ministry of Defence
DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF FLIES THE HINDUSTAN TURBO TRAINER HTT-40
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit AVSM VM VSM, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff flew the Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft - 40  Basic Trainer Aircraft, today at Bengaluru. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited , the aircraft has been indigenously designed and developed by the Aircraft Research & Design Centre of HAL and is based on the training requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
The HTT-40 is a fully aerobatic aircraft, powered by a four bladed turbo-prop engine. It is fitted with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, modern avionics and latest safety features, including a zero-zero ejection seat. The trainer has a maximum speed of 450 kilometers per hour and a maximum service ceiling of six kilometers. The HTT-40 first flew on 31 May 2016 and obtained system level certification on 06 June 2022. Clearance by Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification for the full aircraft is currently underway.
The IAF signed a contract with HAL for the supply of 70 aircraft, the induction of which will commence on 15 September 2025 and continue till 15 March 2030. The HTT-40 will enhance the quality of training of ab-initio pilots of the Indian Armed Forces. The procurement will also include a Full Mission Simulator for the aircraft which will supplement the aerial training, allowing pilots to practice different profiles on ground, prior to the sorties.
HTT-40 is yet another step towards achieving greater self-reliance in the defence and aviation sphere in line with the Governments vision of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat'.
Prime Minister's Office
Phone call between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H. E. Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a phone call today with His Excellency Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
The two leaders complimented each other on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam being celebrated this year. They expressed satisfaction over the rapid pace of wide-ranging cooperation under the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which was established during the Prime Minister’s visit to Vietnam in 2016.
The Prime Minister reiterated Vietnam’s importance as an important pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision, and sought to enhance the scope of the bilateral relationship, besides working for expeditious progress on existing initiatives.
The Prime Minister also requested for greater facilitation of market access for India’s pharma and agri-products in Vietnam.
The Prime Minister highlighted the historical and civilization links between the two countries and expressed his happiness in India’s involvement in restoration of Cham monuments in Vietnam.
The leaders agreed to enhance defence partnership between the two countries.
They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared interest, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the situation in South China Sea.
×××××
DS/LP
(
Ministry of Railways
NO MASK, NO METRO
Kolkata, March 18, 2021
In view of the spike in COVID-19 cases in India, Metro Railway authority is strictly monitoring the wearing of masks of the commuters.
The said railway authority has decided not to allow any passenger to enter the station premises without a mask. Metro railway Protection force or RPF will not allow any passenger to travel, if found without a mask. It has also decided to take punitive action against those not wearing masks.
Regular announcements are made on the Public Address System telling the passengers to wear masks, maintain safe distance in the station premises and trains and use sanitizers.